Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting Southern-style dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy gravy, served over fluffy rice. It’s a hearty one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The combination of savory spices, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice makes it irresistibly satisfying.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)flourseasoned saltblack peppergarlic powderonion powdersmoked paprikavegetable oilbutteryellow oniongarlicchicken brothheavy creamcooked white riceparsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

Season the chicken with seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and brown on both sides, then remove and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped onion until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Sprinkle a little flour into the pan and stir to form a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Stir in heavy cream and return the chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Meanwhile, prepare white rice according to package instructions.

Serve the creamy smothered chicken over a bed of hot rice. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 40 minutesTotal time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lighter version.

Add mushrooms or spinach to the gravy for extra flavor and nutrition.

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, pre-cooked rice is perfect for saving time. Just reheat before serving.

Is it okay to use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

How do I make it spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy to turn up the heat.

Can I cook the rice in the same pan?

Yes, if using quick-cooking rice, add it to the sauce during the final 15 minutes of simmering.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and is great for meal prep.

What type of chicken is best?

Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the most flavor, but boneless breasts or thighs work well too.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?

Searing adds flavor and texture, but you can skip this step if short on time.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free flour and check all packaged ingredients.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, carrots, peas, or green beans work great added during the simmering stage.

Should I cover the skillet while simmering?

Yes, covering keeps the chicken moist and helps the sauce thicken.

Conclusion

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but delicious enough to serve guests. With its velvety sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken, this dish will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.